The Association of Tutorial School Operators in Oyo State has advocated for a single five-year term limit for the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), arguing that extended tenures weaken accountability and negatively impact stakeholders. While acknowledging the current JAMB Act allows for reappointment after an initial five-year term, the operators believe that limiting the tenure to a single term would promote greater transparency and responsiveness within the organization. This call for change comes as the current Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, serves his second term, which is set to conclude in 2026.
The operators contend that prolonged leadership breeds complacency and creates opportunities for exploitation, potentially compromising the integrity of the examination process. They believe a fresh perspective brought in by a new registrar every five years would inject dynamism and ensure a continuous focus on improving the board’s operations. This, they argue, would ultimately benefit all stakeholders, including students, parents, and the educational system as a whole. This proposal, while aimed at improving JAMB’s governance, has yet to elicit an official response from the board.
The operators also expressed concerns about JAMB’s policy of restricting certain services, such as changes to institution choices and O’level result uploads, exclusively to JAMB offices and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers. This policy, they argue, marginalizes cybercafes, which have traditionally played a role in assisting candidates with online registration processes. This restriction, according to the operators, not only increases the financial burden on candidates but also leads to overcrowding and logistical challenges at JAMB-designated centers. They believe that allowing accredited cybercafes to continue providing these services would alleviate these issues and enhance accessibility for candidates, especially those in remote areas.
In contrast to their criticism of the service restrictions, the operators commended JAMB’s adoption of computer-based testing (CBT). They acknowledged that CBT has significantly improved the examination process by reducing malpractice and enhancing the overall efficiency of the system. This shift to a digital format, they note, has also positively impacted their business, with increased enrollment in tutorial centers as candidates seek guidance and preparation for the computer-based exams. This indicates the operators’ recognition of the benefits of technological advancements in education and their adaptability to evolving examination formats.
The tutorial operators’ perspectives offer valuable insights into the operational dynamics of JAMB and its impact on various stakeholders. Their call for a single-term limit for the registrar highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public institutions. Their concerns regarding service restrictions reflect the need for equitable access and efficient service delivery, while their praise for the CBT system underscores the positive role of technology in educational assessment. These diverse viewpoints warrant consideration from policymakers as they strive to refine the examination process and ensure its fairness and effectiveness.
JAMB’s official response to these concerns remains pending. A dialogue between the board and stakeholders, including tutorial operators, is crucial to address these issues and collaboratively develop solutions that enhance the efficiency and fairness of the university admissions process. This engagement should focus on exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of a single-term limit for the registrar, evaluating the accessibility of services, and leveraging technology to improve the overall examination experience for all candidates. A transparent and inclusive approach to addressing these concerns will foster greater trust and collaboration between JAMB and the communities it serves.
